TBS CAP 2022
Comprehensive Assessment Plan 2022
The most recent version of this document is available for viewing and printing
on the TBS website under “About – TBS Documents.”
The Bible Seminary
2655 S Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
281-646-1109 (Phone)
TheBibleSeminary.edu
The Bible Seminary
Comprehensive Assessment Plan 2022
“Test everything; hold on to what is good.”
I Thessalonians 5:21
This Comprehensive Assessment Plan (CAP) outlines the processes for assessing progress toward achieving the mission of The Bible Seminary (TBS). The plan is designed to help demonstrate and improve educational effectiveness by providing descriptions of assessment in both academic and non-academic areas.
Introduction
The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non-denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. On-campus and Distance Education programs include Bible Certificate and Vocational Ministry Certificate non-degree programs, as well as Dual Degree Completion, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity degree programs. The seminary is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) approved to offer Distance Education, a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). TBS aims to help nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training. Faculty seek to integrate studies of the Bible with instruction in historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for life and ministry. Experiential education occurs through classroom instruction, study tours, hands-on ministry training, and community-based training with ministry professionals. Leadership includes Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, President; Dr. Scott Stripling, Provost and Vice-President of Donor Relations; Dr. Israel Steinmetz, Dean of the Graduate Programs and full-time Professor; numerous adjunct faculty, ministry professionals, and mentors who serve as part of the teaching team; and a Board of Trustees.
Accreditation
The Bible Seminary is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) [15935 Forest Road, Forest, VA 24551; Telephone: (434) 525-9539; e-mail: info@tracs.org] having been awarded Accredited Status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on October 26, 2020. This status is effective for a period of five years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDOE), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). For more information, visit TRACS.org. TBS is an Accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising, ECFA accredits leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising, and board governance. For more information, visit ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473. The Bible Seminary is a participating member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs. For more information, visit NC-SARA.org. Also see: • Council for Higher Education Database of Accredited Institutions • U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Institutions
Covenantal Documents
The Bible Seminary requires all administration and staff, Board members, faculty, and graduate students to read and sign in agreement with a set of covenantal documents that help define the ideological, relational, and theological parameters of the seminary community. Generally, everyone signs these documents annually in conjunction with their employment, enrollment or re-enrollment, and service contracts.
Mission
The Bible Seminary exists to glorify God by training Christian believers in a context of biblical community in all 66 books of the Bible so that they can serve the local church and fulfill the Great Commission by the power of God’s Spirit.
Core Values
Key Verse
"They read from the book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning
so that the people could understand what was being read."
Nehemiah 8:8
Lordship – Because He is Lord (Philippians 2:11), we will continually ask Jesus Christ to sit on the throne of the seminary and on the throne of the lives of its faculty, administrators, and students for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Bible – Because the Bible is the fully true Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), we will offer and require the study of all 66 books of the Bible before graduation with a degree. We will seek to creatively integrate classical theological disciplines and ministry training by studying books of the Bible (i.e. Church History will begin with the Book of Acts and keep going; Pastoral Leadership will come through the study of the Pastoral Epistles; Systematic Theology will flow out of the study of the Pauline Epistles).
Prayer – Because apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5), we will continually seek to plug into the Vine Jesus Christ through yielding to Him in prayer. We will offer a unique emphasis on prayer, integrated with the curriculum, in classroom settings, meetings, and continual prayer opportunities in the life of the seminary.
Unreached Peoples – Because the return of Christ awaits the evangelization of all people groups (Matthew 24:14), we will keep our eyes on the unreached peoples of the world and train our students to have a heart for the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by seeking to reach millions of souls for Jesus Christ.
Local Church – Because the church universal (the body of Christ) is God’s plan (Matthew 16:18), comprised of local churches (Acts 20:28; Romans 16:3-5; Acts 5:42), we will have a symbiotic relationship of service, training and education with local churches and parachurch ministries.
Community – Because we were created for community (Genesis 1:26; Hebrews 10:24-25), we will seek to build a unique fellowship where we continually grow together in relationship and as followers of Christ, seeking to live as examples of biblical community, where authenticity and accountability are practiced, and where integrity is modeled and taught (Romans 12:4-5; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35).
Compassion – Because God has a huge heart for the poor and overlooked (Matthew 25:31-46), we will strive to motivate, equip, and train students to minister to “the least of these” as a lifestyle.
Institutional Objectives
The Bible Seminary strives to provide faculty, staff, and support services that:
• Promote belief in Jesus Christ as LORD and the centrality of discipleship by offering Christ-centered educational programs and courses.
• Promote all 66 books of the BIBLE as the fully true Word of God by integrating the study of these biblical books into studies of classical theological disciplines and ministry training.
• Promote the vital priority of PRAYER by modeling and teaching prayer in classes, events, meetings, publications, and retreats.
• Promote awareness of and compassion for UNREACHED PEOPLES of the world by offering education in missions and engagement in cross-cultural endeavors.
• Promote experiential training by integrating LOCAL CHURCH and parachurch ministry leaders, site visits, and service opportunities into educational experiences.
• Promote authenticity, accountability, and integrity through genuine communication, collaborative learning, and ethical relationships in an academic faith COMMUNITY.
• Promote COMPASSION by providing education and cooperative experiences in ministering to the poor, overlooked, and underprivileged.
Progress in achieving each institutional objective is measured with Likert Scale assessments completed by students prior to beginning and upon completion of curriculum.
Institutional Outcomes
• The student will demonstrate mastery of all 66 biblical books by completing a summative Capstone project (CAP 590) as the culmination of his or her program prior to graduating with a degree.
• The student will demonstrate learning proficiency, progression in study skills, and academic achievement through successfully passing course exams, improving scores between pre-course and post-course assessments, research reports, written papers, and class presentations.
• The student will demonstrate evidence of core ministry skills in basic and advanced hermeneutics, pastoral leadership, preaching and teaching, biblically-based counseling, and cultivation of personal and group spiritual formation by successfully passing course exams, improving scores between pre-course and post-course assessments, and submitting respectable quality research reports, written papers, class presentations, and ministry service reports.
• The student will demonstrate exegetical comprehension and applied learning from the study of biblical cultures, languages, history and theology through successful engagement in course assignments and ministry activities within the seminary educational community and beyond, and by successfully passing course exams, improving scores between pre-course and post-course assessments, and submitting respectable quality, research reports, written papers and class presentations.
Doctrinal Statement
• We believe in the inspiration and authority of Scripture – The Bible is the only inspired Word of God, fully true, and our sole authority for all that we believe and do (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18). We hold to the inerrancy of Scripture, as outlined in the “Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.”
• We believe in one God – There is only one true God who exists eternally in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:9; Acts 5:3-4,9; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3, I John 5:7).
• We believe in the deity and humanity of Christ – Jesus Christ is Lord, being fully God and yet fully Man, born of a virgin, as affirmed in the Nicene, and Apostles’ Creeds (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1-2,14; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:13-20; Hebrews 1:8).
• We believe in substitutionary atonement – Jesus Christ died on the cross as our substitute – taking upon Himself the penalty of the sins of fallen humans (John 1:29; Romans 3:25-26; 5:8, 12-19; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18).
• We believe in the resurrection of Christ – Jesus rose from the dead in a bodily resurrection defeating sin and death (Romans 6:4-9; 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6).
• We believe in salvation by grace through faith alone – A person is saved from eternal separation from God as a free gift when that person places their faith in Jesus Christ who is the only way to the Father (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 21:27).
• We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 24-25; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19-21).
• We believe in heaven and hell – Believers in Jesus Christ will be resurrected to everlasting blessedness and joy in eternal fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 15:35-57; 2 Corinthians 5:1-9; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5). Unbelievers will be resurrected to conscious separation from God and eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 14:9-11;20:10-15; 21:8).
WHERE WE STAND ON SOME CONTROVERSIAL SOCIAL ISSUES
We acknowledge that the following social issues generate much pain and division in some faith communities, and we do not approach these issues lightly or glibly. But we also acknowledge that at the heart, these are authority of Scripture issues. We believe the Bible is clear about the following:
• Abortion – We believe human life inside a mother’s womb begins at conception and that at conception, a real human being is created in the image of God (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Luke 1:39-45) and, therefore, that abortion is murder and wrong/sin (Exodus 20:13). We believe God offers full forgiveness to an abortive mother/father who has turned to Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:13-15; Ephesians 1:7).
• Celibacy, Marriage, and Sexuality – We believe God created humans in His image, intentionally and immutably male and female, each bringing unique and complementary qualities to sexuality and relationships (e.g., Genesis 1:27; 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-5; Ephesians 5:22-33). Celibacy, marriage, and sexuality in general are gifts from God to be expressed: (1) within specific boundaries He designed for our safety and pleasure, and (2) within the confines of His purposes, which include gratefully honoring the Lord with our bodies and minds (e.g., Proverbs 6:20-7:27; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:19-20; Ephesians 4:17-5:21).
We believe God ordained marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman (e.g., Genesis 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31). God’s design for sexual acts is within marriage for the purpose of moral human procreation and the unique pleasurable intimacy (one flesh) intended for husbands and wives (e.g., Genesis 1:27-28; 9:1; 35:11; Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 5:18-19; Song of Solomon 7:6-13; 1 Corinthians 7:5). Sexual acts outside God-instituted boundaries are sinful and defy God’s natural order, plans, and purposes (e.g., Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:7-23; 20:10-21; Matthew 5:27-28; 15:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-13; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:2-8; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7, cf. Genesis 19). We do not believe in ordaining self-avowed practicers of such sexual sin, and do not believe in ceremonies that celebrate same-sex unions (e.g., Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; Hebrews 13:4).
• Ministry Leadership – We believe persons engaged in willful, ongoing sinful practice(s) should not serve in ministry leadership (Romans 1:18-32; I Corinthians 5:1-13 and 6:9-20; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9), and those already serving in ministry leadership who engage in ongoing sinful behavior(s) should be disciplined and removed from ministry leadership (I Samuel 15: Matthew 18:15-18). We believe true repentance is an essential first step in the sanctification process necessary towards restoration of ministry leadership (I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:1-8). Therefore, anyone considering ministry leadership via a path that includes seeking a degree from and/or working for The Bible Seminary should evidence public and private freedom from sinful behavior(s) over time (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; James 2:14-26), since ministry leadership is incorporated into official positions and roles at The Bible Seminary, including administration, board, faculty, staff, volunteers and students.”
Ethos Statement
It is a high honor and privilege to represent God to people by training for and serving in ministry. When people see someone “in the ministry,” they see that person as representing Christ’s church. It is for this reason that the Bible outlines in 1 Timothy 3 some of the expectations and qualifications of a leader in the church. It is very important for each member of the seminary community (no matter what their position) to seek to live up to these standards (with God’s help and empowerment). Thus, we ask each member of the seminary community to covenant to lead a life that is “above reproach” as defined by the following Ethos Statement. The heart of this document is healthy community full of grace and truth (John 1:17).
As a member of the seminary community, I agree, with God’s help and empowerment, to live by the following ideals to the best of my ability:
1. I will seek to walk with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Genesis 5:22; John 17:3; Mark 12:29-31; Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. I will seek to have no other gods than Jesus Christ (Exodus 20:3-6; 1 Peter 3:15). I will seek to keep myself from idolatry (1 John 5:21) by not making idols out of money, sex, power, people, material things, school, or ministry success.
3. I will work as “unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). I will give God my best in my family, in my job performance and in my training for ministry.
4. I will refrain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). If I am married, I will be faithful to my spouse (Exodus 20:14). If I am single, I will remain celibate in my singleness. I will not engage in homosexual practice (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
5. I will refrain from drunkenness or the use of illegal drugs (Ephesians 5:18). I will not allow a substance to control me, rather I will seek to be controlled by God. If I choose to “drink socially,” I will do so in a way that does not cause other people to stumble (1 Corinthians 8).
6. I will practice Biblical conflict resolution. If someone hurts or offends me, I will go to that person and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15,25) and forgive them (Ephesians 4:32). If this does not resolve the issue, I will then involve a second person as prescribed in Matthew 18:15-17. I will not slander another person by talking negatively about him/her (Ephesians 4:31). I will seek to build others up with my words (Ephesians 4:29). If I cannot bring resolution through these steps, I will seek counsel.
7. I will be respectful of those in authority over me and submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17) unless they were to call me to do something contrary to Scripture (Acts 5:27-29). I will seek humbleness in my life (1 Peter 5:5-6).
The purpose of this Ethos Statement is to maintain order (1 Corinthians 14:40) and to uphold integrity, respect, honor, and character (2 Timothy 2:20-22). There is plenty of grace in this community for mistakes (James 5:16), whereas there is not room in this community for blatant and unrepentant rebellion (1 Corinthians 5). I agree to do my best to live by this Ethos Statement with God’s help and power through Jesus Christ and for His glory.
Academic Freedom Statement
The Bible Seminary (TBS) is in mission to provide academic instruction and vocational training for Christian ministers to perform as pastors, counselors, missionaries, church planters, and leaders. Supporting this mission are the seven adopted Core Values of TBS and basic Christian convictions stated in the TBS Covenantal Documents and the Faculty Handbook.
Diversity of education and religious viewpoint is available to society through the plurality of global academic institutions. At TBS, we invite the richness of interpretation and study of the Bible as we seek its deepest meaning and truth. TBS is to be distinguished as an academic institution that shares a basic set of Core Values among its students, faculty, administrators, and Board of Trustees. Instruction, research, and academic investigation are to uphold and respect the positions provided in the Core Values, the Ethos and Doctrinal Statements, and the Faculty Handbook. For example, the following statement from the TBS Faculty Handbook summarizes one of our institutional doctrinal positions that we expect all TBS faculty to uphold:
Creationism versus Evolution
God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1); God set the land to produce seed-bearing plants and trees (Genesis 1:11-12); God created all living things in the sea and on land, and the birds of the sky (Genesis 1:20-25); and God created man, male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). Scientific observations make obvious that God’s creation is uniquely enabled by God to adapt to its environment, making subtle changes over time to survive and thrive in the world – a process often described as “micro-evolution.” Humans have also adapted and diversified, as indicated by the many races, peoples, and societies that have developed through the ages. However, this ability to adapt is not a substitution for the absolute truth that God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27), breathed life into man (Genesis 2:7), and, after the discovery of sin by the first humans, Adam and Eve, God dispatched mankind to the less-than-perfect circumstances in which we live life today (Genesis 3:14-24). Therefore, while we acknowledge the phenomena of micro-evolution, we reject the macro-evolutionary theory of how plants, animals, and humans came to exist. Rather, we embrace the biblical view of creation that God created the heavens and the earth and all that is within it, including humans. We are open to either a young earth view of creation (where “yowm” = 24-hour period) or an old earth view of creation (where “yowm” = an age).
In general, Academic freedom means individuals have rights to engage in intellectual debate, research, and speech, through written or electronic correspondence, on and off campus, without fear of censorship, retaliation, or sanction. This freedom encompasses rights to maintain academic standards and gives faculty members reasonable latitude in deciding how to teach assigned courses; encourages intellectual integrity; sustains pedagogical approaches consistent with disciplines taught; and informs evaluations of student work, all exercised within the shared boundaries defined by the TBS Covenantal Documents.
Academic freedom does not involve expressions that substantially impair the rights of others or the imposition of political, religious, or philosophical beliefs on individuals of the TBS community. Academic Freedom does not provide protection of faculty who demonstrate professional ignorance, incompetence, or dishonesty with regard to their assigned discipline or fields of expertise, or who engage in arbitrary or capricious evaluation of students.
All members of the TBS community have a right to due process. Anyone alleging or responding to a potential breach of academic freedom should follow the TBS Grievance Policy.
Nondiscriminatory Policy
The Bible Seminary admits students of any race, sex, color, disability, age, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Seminary. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, disability, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring policies, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
Philosophy of Education
We believe the Bible is one book, written by many authors over time, inspired by one Spirit for all time – and is the best training manual for ministry.
We believe that doing ministry, debriefing ministry, and studying ministry – in association with called, life-giving, seasoned and Spirit-filled professionals – is an effective educational model.
We believe a balanced, Bible-based, Christ-centered, mission-focused educational approach includes a comprehensive curriculum that integrates studying through all 66 biblical books along with studying standard historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for 21st century ministry.
We believe that challenging and nurturing students, getting them into the Word of God, and helping them think biblically while listening to the Holy Spirit, involves a unique combination of professional ministry training, cutting-edge tools, and extraordinary experiences.
We believe that interactive personal engagement over time, among groups of individuals with a common set of core values and doctrines and ethical standards, and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, can offer an exciting, family-friendly, practical, rich, and unparalleled learning environment.
We believe that a journey of theological education should:
• Glorify the Lord
• Be rooted in His Word
• Nurture an intimate, faithful, trusting relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Cultivate a contextual and more profound understanding of God and creation, scripture and the world, heaven and earth, culture and history, time and eternity, and things seen and unseen
• Equip students with relevant experiences, knowledge, relationships, training, and tools for a lifetime of ministry leadership
• Lead to a passionate commitment to love and serve the Lord and others with all that students are and have, in perpetuity.
Facts
Incorporation and Licensing • Independent and non-denominational • Registered Domestic Non-Profit Corporation in the state of Texas (Feb 2010) • Registered IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Institution of Higher Education (Aug 2010) • Exemption by Texas Workforce Commission (Mar 2011, Oct 2018, Aug 2020) • Exemption by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (May 2011) • Affiliate Member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (2012 - Jul 2021) • Approved CEU provider by the Association of Christian Schools International (Oct 2015) • Approved by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) for Applicant Status (Jan 2018), Candidate status (Apr 2019), Accredited status (Oct 2020), and to offer Distance Education (Apr 2021) • Approved accredited member of ECFA (Sep 2019) • Approved member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (Dec 2021) Founders • Dr. James E. Leggett, Founding President (2010-13) • Rev. Paul Helbig, Bible Institute Co-founder and Lead Faculty (2008-16) • Mr. Dan Dunham, Founding Board of Trustees Chair (2010-13) • Grace Fellowship Church, Seed funding for launch (2010-11) Executive Officers • President, Dr. K. Lynn Lewis (2014-present), Executive Vice-President/Provost (2011-13) • Provost, Dr. Scott Stripling (2017-present) • Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Mr. Rick McCalip (2010-present) • Board of Trustees, Mr. Adam Peters (Chair) with 9 total members Programs • Master of Divinity (84-credit hours) • Master of Arts (four majors plus four concentrations, 48 to 60-credit hours) • Dual Degree Completion (Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry in conjunction with a TBS MA or MDiv) • Vocational Ministry Certificate (27-credit hours) • Bible Certificate (10-credit hours) Faculty • Two full-time administrators who also teach • One full-time faculty member and 15+ adjunct professors • 50+ professionals who serve as mentors and visiting teachers Unique Features • All programs cover all 66 books of the Bible • Comprehensive, relevant education and training for 21st century leadership • Local mentoring and training opportunities throughout the graduate degree programs • Educational experiences in classrooms, on-site visits to regional locations and international locations, especially in Israel Special Program Elements • Distinctively clear Cove Values, doctrine, and ethos statements • Holy Land Study Tour opportunity • Technological study and resource tools • Multiple experiential learning opportunities • Strong commitment to helping students graduate with ZERO ($0) seminary debt
History
The Bible Seminary’s passion for vibrant Bible-based, Christ-centered, mission-focused leadership training began with Dr. James E. Leggett, founder and senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Katy, Texas. Under the leadership of Teaching Pastor, Paul Helbig, the church established a Bible Institute in 2008 teaching all 66 books of the Bible. A team led by future Board Chair, Dan Dunham, and Vice-President of Finance and Administration, Rick McCalip, helped incorporate The Bible Seminary (TBS) in 2010 as an independent, non-denominational, charitable 501(c)(3), educational institution of higher education. The Board named Dr. Leggett as volunteer President and the church raised $1,100,000 from 260 donors to help launch the seminary. In 2011, the Board hired Dr. K. Lynn Lewis as full-time Executive Vice-President and Provost; received exemptions for its Master of Divinity program by the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; transferred the Bible Institute from Grace Fellowship to TBS; and graduated the first 12 students from the Bible Certificate program in December 2011. In 2012, TBS received approval for Affiliate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). The graduate program launched on September 4, 2012 with 12 inaugural students. In 2014, Dr. Leggett resigned as volunteer President, the Board named Dr. Lewis as President, and TBS hired a full-time Provost. In 2015, TBS established a Master of Arts program, a Dual Degree Completion program, a Licensed Professional program consisting of core graduate courses, awarded its first graduate degrees (seven Master of Divinity and one Master of Arts), launched a Spanish Bible Certificate program, and received approval from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to provide continuing education. In 2016, TBS began offering courses in regional locations. In 2017, the seminary hired Dr. Scott Stripling as Provost and Dr. Douglas Petrovich as full-time faculty member, revised the Bible Certificate program, and received recognition by the Knowledge Review as one of the 10 Most Preferred Divinity Schools for Religious Studies 2017. In 2018, TBS added four new Master of Arts programs, reduced Master of Divinity credit hours from 96 to 84, revised the Licensed Professional program, received approvals of exemption from the Texas Workforce Commission, and added new remote instructional locations. In 2019, TBS hired Dr. J. Paul Nyquist as Dean of Graduate Programs and became an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). In 2020, TBS named Dr. Doug Petrovich Dean of Graduate Programs and Mrs. Carousel Pieterse Director of the Bible Certificate Program, renamed the “Licensed Professional” program the “Vocational Ministry” certificate program, and earned Accredited Status with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). In 2021, TBS received approval from TRACS to offer Distance Education and became a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). In 2022, TBS added four Master of Arts Concentrations, formed a publishing division (Nehemiah Press), opened the 3J Archaeological Museum, hired Dr. Israel Steinmetz as Graduate Dean, and named Dr. Scott Stripling as Provost and Vice-President of Donor Relations.
Assessment Plan Overview
Introduction
TBS assesses activities, goals, objectives, outcomes, and standards as they relate to the overall mission of the institution. Assessment data, documents, and records help identify achievements and opportunities for improvement, and to help chronicle evidence of achievements and improvements based on analysis of results over time.
Assessment weaves continually throughout TBS life and culture. Recurring loops include identifying possible actions, developing plans, implementing then evaluating them, then identifying possible changes based on feedback, redeveloping plans, implementing then evaluating them. This document captures the current iteration and is intended to benefit administration, faculty, students, and alumni – and constituents impacted across our collective ministries – by serving as a map for assessment and tool for quality control and continual improvement toward best educational practices.
TBS assessments range from course to program to institution-level and include people, projects, and tasks at all levels within TBS. However, the larger goal is that what TBS does and how TBS accomplishes it contributes to Kingdom advances in the temporal and eternal lives of others.
Approach
TBS approaches to the general task of assessment includes the following guidelines:
• Define and Determine – Make sure the words and phrases are clearly articulated and understood and confirm decisions to assure mutual understanding and agreement among involved team leaders and members.
• Logical and Simple – Implement assessment policies and tools in ways that make practical sense.
• Useful – Routinely and regularly seek to employ collected and evaluated data to improve instruction and close the loop on any deficiencies.
Management and Review
This CAP summarizes TBS assessments activities. Initially drafted and approved by the Board of Trustees in 2014, this plan is a working document updated regularly in conjunction with the life and growth of the seminary. The plan is managed by the TBS President with contributions from staff and other team members, reviewed regularly and comprehensively, and approved by the Board.
Implementation occurs throughout the various program areas of TBS, each of which maintains individual documentation reflecting assessment goals, outcomes, and evaluations relative to corresponding strategic initiatives. Records are documented in Board meeting minutes, annual reports, and other seminary publications, as well as in individual area and project reports. This plan is available in print and digital formats and is posted online under “About – TBS Documents” at TheBibleSeminary.edu.
Process Identify
Evaluate Plan
Implement
TBS Assessment Process Loop
Schedule Summary
Area
Description
Leader
Timeline
I. Overall
A. Assessment Plan
1. Administrative Review
2. Board Review and Approval
President
Board Chair
Fall/Winter
Winter
II. Academic Assessment
A. Academic and
Student Learning
1. Academic Calendar
2. Semester Review
3. Curriculum
4. Courses
5. Majors and Programs
6. Institutional
7. Faculty
8. Students
9. Alumni
Provost
Registrar
Provost
Provost
Provost
President
Provost
Provost/Faculty
President
Jul and Jan
Post-semester
Annually
Pre/In/Post-sem.
Every 5 years
Intermittent
Post-semester
(Ongoing)
Post-grad: 1/5/10
III. Non-Academic Assessment
A. Administrative
1. Board Meetings
2. Board Nominations
3. Board Orientation
4. Board Strategy Retreat
5. Board Survey
6. President Annual Review
7. Staff Performance Reviews
8. Staff Retreat
9. Student Orientation
10. Student Retreats
Board Chair
Board Chair
Board Chair
Board Chair
Board Chair
President
Supervisors
President
Provost
Provost
Bi-monthly
Winter
Spring
Feb/Mar
Winter
December
Annually
Summer
Fall, occ. Spring
Intermittent
B. Covenantal Documents
1. Board Review and Sign
2. Research and Revisions
Board Chair
Board Chair
May
Bi-annual
C. Events
1. Commencement
2. Grad School Fairs
3. Other Events on Campus
Provost
Provost
TBS Staff
Annually in August
Fall, Spring
Intermittent
D. Facilities and Equipment
1. Inspection
2. Research/Report
3. Library Review
4. Remote Instr. Location Mem.
VP Finance/Admin
Campus Dev. Com
Librarian
Business Man.
Annual/Monthly
Fall/Winter
Annual
Aug, Jan
E. Finances
1. Annual Audit
2. Annual Auditor Approval
3. Budget – Annual Approval
Business Man.
Audit Com.
Finance Com.
Summer
Winter
Fall/Winter
4. Budget – Annual Review
5. Budget – Income/Expense Review
6. Financial Records Review
7. Fundraising Events
8. Fundraising Plan Review
9. Tuition/Fees Review
VP Finance/Admin
Business Man.
VP Finance/Admin
President/Board
President/Board
Business Man.
May/Sep
Board Meetings
Monthly
Intermittent
Fall/Winter
Winter
F. Policies
1. Annual Review
VP Finance/Adm.
Summer
G. Publications
1. Board Handbook
2. Board Packet
3. Comprehensive Assessment Plan
4. Comprehensive Strategic Plan
5. Faculty Handbook
6. Library Handbook
7. Policy Manual
8. Student Catalog
9. Student Handbook
10. The Sentinel Magazine
11. TBS Student News
12. Digital
13. Other
Board Chair
Board Chair
President
President
Faculty Assoc.
Librarian
VP Finance/Admin
Provost
Provost
Staff
Student Ser. Co.
Staff
(various)
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Ongoing
Intermittent
Summer
(various)
H. Student Services
1. Review
Provost
Bi-annual Summer
• For details of assessment plans, see following sections and Appendix.
• Records of assessment activities are maintained in a separate Addendum to this document.
I. Overall
A. Assessment Plan
1. Administrative Review
Leader: President
Frequency: Fall/Winter
Format: Private reviews, meetings
Tools: TBS Comprehensive Assessment Plan, Email, MS Word using Track Changes
The President, key staff, and Board members review the Comprehensive Assessment Plan (CAP) annually in preparation for Board review at the Winter Board meeting. The President shares the plan with others, solicits their feedback, seeks to revise the plan accordingly, and then shares the plan with Board for review and approval.
2. Board Review and Approval
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Winter
Format: Board meeting
Tools: TBS Comprehensive Assessment Plan
The President shares the final draft with the Board Chair, who forwards to the entire Board for review. The updated CAP is presented for a vote, typically at the Winter Board meeting, and the latest approved version made available in print and online.
II. Academic Assessment
A. Academic and Student Learning
Assessments in this category address various questions, such as “Are TBS educational programs equipping students for effective ministry?” and “Are students achieving intended objectives?” This review template seeks to measure institutional effectiveness relative to the following generally intended learning outcomes in each corresponding area:
Bible Certificate
• Students will gain a perspective of the Bible as a whole, its place in culture and history, and its relevance for life today.
• Students will gain a strong foundation for leading and teaching persons of all ages.
• Students will prepare for more effective Christian leadership at home, family, church, community, and even career.
• Students will engage in a shared community of advanced learning with highly skilled instructors and passionate co-learners and gain confidence for serving in ministry and as ministry leaders.
Vocational Ministry Certificate, Dual Degree Completion, Master of Arts, Master of Divinity
• The seminary will train students to more deeply understand, exposit, and explain all the book(s) of the Bible covered in his or her program.
• The seminary will equip students to practically utilize course learning in work and life.
• The seminary will prepare students to understand how the 7 core values of The Bible Seminary impact his or her program, courses, life, and future work.
1. Academic Calendar
Leader: Provost
Frequency: July and January during planning for the following academic year (actual practice includes ongoing reviews throughout each year)
Format: Meetings and discussions
Tools: Area K-12 school district calendars, prior TBS calendars, special event calendars, records
The Provost reviews student academic progress each semester, including determining remaining courses needed for graduation for each student. These reviews are compiled by the Provost to determine which courses are needed by the most students. In conjunction with a review of area school schedules, a review previous calendars, and discussions with students about potential upcoming courses and schedules, the Provost and President agree on a tentative calendar. The Provost follows up by determining professor availability and preferences and a tentative calendar is set six months to one year in advance. Academic calendars are continuously reviewed and updated as semesters approach, and the online digital calendar, print calendar, and calendar in the Student Catalog are updated immediately (within one hour to one day). During the process of self-assessment, administrators identified a need to seek student perspectives on the actual start and ending times as compared to advertised course schedules. Thus, the following question was inserted to course evaluations beginning with the Spring 2020 semester, “The instructor began and ended this course on time as listed in the syllabus.”
Special notice about scheduling
TBS education follows a standard schedule based on three semesters per academic year.
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Course meeting lengths are based the calculations below.
Bible Certificate
A 10-credit, non-degree educational program where 1 credit = 15 contact hours. Allowing for 10 minutes per hour for breaks, 1 credit courses should incorporate a minimum of 15 hours – (10 min/hour x 15 hours) = 15 hours – 1.5 hours = 13.5 hours of class time. However, for practical purposes related to ingress and egress and late arrivals, aiming for schedule lengths of between 13.5 and 15 hours is generally advised.
Bible Certificate course scheduling options:
• 15 meetings of 1 hour each = 15 hours
• 8 meetings of 1.75+ hours each = 14 to 15 hours [Current standard used by TBS]
• 7 meetings of 2+ hours each = 14 to 15 hours
• 4 meetings of 3.5+ hours each = 14 to 15 hours
• 2 meetings of 7+ hours each = 14 to 15 hours
In the Bible Certificate program, elective course options – no matter how long and/or intensive but at least equivalent 14 to 15 hours of class time – each count as 1 TBS credit toward the 10 credits required for the certificate. Most courses are eligible for CEU credit through the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI). CEU credits vary according to the ACSI standard of 1 CEU credit for every 6 hours of class up to 5 CEU’s and are determined for each individual class in association with ACSI.
Graduate Programs
Graduate degree credits are based on the standard of 45 contact hours = 3 credit hours. Allowing 10 minutes per hour for breaks, course schedules incorporate a minimum of 45 hours – (10 min/hour x 45 hours) = 45 hours – (450 minutes/60 minutes) = 45 hours – 7.5 hours = 37.5 hours. Subtracting an Exam week and Reading week, actual class time should equal 37.5 hours – 2.5 hours Exam week – 2.5 Reading week = 32.5 hours of class time. Course scheduling options:
• 13 meetings of 2.5 hours each = 32.5 hours
• 26 meetings of 1.25 hours each = 32.5 hours
• (Alternative intensives of varying lengths) = 32.5 hours
2. Semester Review
Leader: Registrar
Frequency: Post-semesters
Format: Meetings, Reviews, Surveys
Tools: TBS Academic Calendars, TBS Semester Reviews, TBS Course Evaluations
The Registrar conducts a semester review after the close of each semester that includes recording and assessing the following data for each course taught: Course Name, Frequency, Total Minutes, Total Hours, Number of Students in the class, Number of surveys returned, and whether or not pre-semester and post semester faculty meetings occurred. The Provost reviews the collected data in conjunction with academic calendar reviews and course evaluation reviews with faculty.
3. Curriculum
Leader: Provost
Frequency: Annually
Format: Meetings, Reviews, Surveys
Tools: Course syllabi, Syllabus Review, Course Evaluations, Curriculum Alignment Review, Instructor Review, publishing house resources, other resources and recommendations.
The Provost works with faculty to develop courses prior to courses being taught. Interactions include the discussion of curriculum resources planned for use prior to the class during the development and finalization of each course syllabus, as well as post-course discussions about effectiveness, quality, and preferences for future use with each faculty member at the end of each semester incorporating feedback from class participants. Pre-semester deadlines for submitting a course syllabus to Provost are approximately six weeks prior to the start of each semester, and follow-up meetings with each member of the faculty occur within one month following the previous semester. Semester assessment records include the syllabus for each course, course evaluations, record(s) of reviews and meeting(s) with faculty (see “Syllabus Review,” “Course Evaluation,” “Curriculum Alignment Review,” and “Instructor Review” in the Appendix). Sweeping, overall curriculum reviews occur in conjunction with major and program review cycles in coordination with the Faculty Association, Administration, and the Board.
4. Courses
Leader: Provost
Frequency: Before, during, and after each semester
Format: Meetings, Reviews, Surveys
Tools: Course syllabus, Syllabus Review, Course Evaluations, Curriculum Alignment Review, Instructor Review, publishing house resources, other resources and recommendations.
Courses are reviewed during Major and Program review cycles and regularly assessed each semester as follows:
• Prior to each semester, the President and Provost discuss and review upcoming scheduled courses, including the purpose, program placement, content, structure, proposed faculty, and teaching location(s), etc.
• The Provost discusses individual courses with proposed and then contracted faculty, and they interact using summaries of previous reviews and evaluations.
• During each semester, an administrator sits in on at least one class session of every course taught that semester. The administrator then provides feedback to the instructor(s) verbally and/or by e-mail following these visits (on file under “Reviews” in faculty personnel files).
• As courses end, students provide feedback using “Course Evaluation” forms (see Appendix and on file under, “Course Evaluations”).
• Following the semester, the Provost meets with each faculty member individually to discuss their course(s) and uses the “Instructor Review” form (see Appendix and on file under “Reviews” in faculty personnel files).
• Intermittent reviews of curriculum alignment with program and institutional objectives occurs using the “Curriculum Alignment Review” form.
• The Provost shares all summary reviews of courses with the President.
5. Majors and Programs
Leader: Provost
Frequency: Every 5 years
Format: Meetings, Reviews, Surveys
Tools: Course evaluations, syllabus, faculty reviews, and Review Team.
TBS has conducted Major and Program reviews as recorded below. The outline lists the year the program launched, then lists calendar year of reviews (italicized dates are future dates).
Programs Launched 1st Review 2nd Review 3rd Review
Bible Certificate (BC) 2008 2011 2017 2021
Dual-Degree (DD) 2015 2020 2025 2030
Vocational Ministry (VM) 2015 2018 2019 2024
Master of Arts (MA) 2015 2018 2022 2027
Master of Divinity (MDiv) 2012 2018 2023 2028
Timeline View
Yr
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Launch
BC
MDiv
LP/DD/MA
Review 1
BC
LP/MA/MDiv
DD
Review 2
BC
VM
MA
MDiv
DD
Review 3
BC
VM
MA
MDiv
DD
Review 4
BC
VM
The Major and Program reviews following program launch and an initial 1st review have been guided by a research and review team consisting of a Review Team Chair, administration and faculty representatives, and others. With the formation of the Faculty Association (FA), this group will serve as the research and review team going forward. General Major/Program reviews include the following activities:
1) Team organization and planning.
2) Review and assessment of all course evaluations on file related to the program.
3) Survey sent to students and alumni associated with the program under review.
4) Personal interviews with program faculty and select students and alumni.
5) Class visits by the Chair and other team members in current program classes.
6) Comparison to similar programs at other schools.
7) Research of educational literature, resources, studies, and trends.
8) Review of accreditation requirements related to the program under review.
9) Preliminary report to administration with summary of observations and research, as well as possible suggested adjustments.
10) Development of proposal based on research summaries and suggestions.
11) Vetting of proposal among administration, faculty, and select students and alumni.
12) Finalized proposal presented to the FA for initial review.
13) Refinement of proposal based on FA feedback and continuing prayer and reflection.
14) Refined proposal presented to the Board for updated discussion.
15) Further refined proposal presented to FA and then the Board for votes.
16) Approved proposal implemented by administration and faculty.
17) Assessment of changes then follows standard assessment protocols.
18) Summary Report presented to FA and Board noting results of recommended changes.
Major and Program review records include research data and proposals. FA and Board meeting minutes record approval votes and chronicle results.
6. Institutional
Leader: President in association with the accrediting agencies
Frequency: Intermittent
Format: Self-study and Accreditor Reviews
Tools: Self-Study, Reports
TBS institutional reviews include outside reviews related to accreditation. Other than minimal reviews related to affiliation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), the primary institutional reviews occur by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). TBS has been engaged in the accreditation process with TRACS and will continue to follow TRACS protocols outlined on their web site at TRACS.org.
7. Faculty
Leader: Provost
Frequency: End of Semesters
Format: Meetings, Surveys
Tools: Course Evaluations, Instructor Reviews, Personnel files and checklists
Contracts
Faculty are screened for appropriate educational qualifications, experiences and teaching skills prior to employment. Contracts include a summary of “Academic/Professional Credentials” as part of the contract. Individual contracts are discussed and negotiated prior to employment via communications with key seminary personnel. Discussions include faculty qualifications, experiences, and teaching skills relative to the program(s) and course(s) under negotiation. They also address course content, experiential components, and required student resources and tools. Full-time faculty contracts are negotiated annually, and adjunct faculty contracts are negotiated for each individual course each semester. Contracts are kept in personnel files in folders labeled “Contracts.”
Resumes
Faculty files contain personal information such as contact info, personal bio, resume, official transcripts, personal ID (such as Driver’s License or passport), Background Check permission and results, and sometimes letters of recommendation, notes from communications with references, and other information. Gathered data is summarized on a “Personnel File Checklist” (see Appendix) and kept in folders labeled “Resumes.”
Reviews
Faculty assessment occurs individually by the Provost and each faculty member using the “Instructor Review” form following each semester in which a faculty member teaches. Basis for assessment includes information gathered from students via course evaluations, as well as class session visit(s) by administration and other feedback. Aggregate feedback is shared with each professor individually by the Provost (or other designated academic leader) during the individual semester follow-up meeting, and this information is reviewed by the President. Records of course evaluations and meeting notes are kept in faculty files in folders labeled “Reviews.”
8. Students
Leader: Provost/Faculty
Frequency: Ongoing
Format: Meetings, Observation, Portfolios, Projects, Reports, Surveys, Tests
Tools: Course elements, Pre-tests/Post-tests
Measuring Learning Outcomes
Assessment of learning outcomes incorporates various methods:
• Standard written exams - used in most courses each semester
• Oral exams – several courses utilize extensive, individual oral exams as final exams.
• Student portfolios – developed in conjunction with the progression of some courses. Some of these result in top-tier resources (articles, audio productions, mixed media, photos, PowerPoint productions, videos, and other projects) shared with other students, as well as, in some cases, wider audiences in print and online.
• Peer evaluation – utilized in courses that involve some sort of student presentation, especially preaching courses. Feedback is provided to the presenter(s) by other students, as well as the professor and other leaders, usually in written and oral form.
• Pre-Test and Post-Test assessments – Students take identical exams at the beginning and end of each class each semester that measure course content, including the assigned book(s) for the course. Composite results of these exams are included in the semester, annual, and five-year reviews.
• Capstone course – In 2018, TBS added a capstone course designed to summarily measure student mastery of programmatic content and achievement of course and institutional objectives. This course is required for graduation for all graduate students.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Interviews – Graduate students participate in pre-admission and as well as a graduate interview as part of the Capstone course. Identified issues in these interviews are incorporated into staff and Board discussions, reviews, and planning.
• Vocational ministry service – Graduate students participate in vocational ministry service (paid, volunteer, or both) while attending seminary. Feedback is solicited from their ministry leaders via conversations, official forms and documents included in courses (especially “Spiritual Formation and Ministry” and “Intensives” series).
Student Data
• The annual compilation and review of student data is utilized in various capacities. Data collected and reviewed includes Application statistics, Completion rates, Graduation rates, Job placement rates, and Retention rates, among others.
• Summary data, analysis, and resultant goals/plans are shared during the Board Strategy Retreat, as well as Administration reports during Board meetings.
9. Alumni
Leader: President
Frequency: 1, 5 and 10 years after graduation
Format: Meetings, Surveys
Tools: TBS Alumni Survey
Strategic alumni assessment of the effectiveness of TBS education occurs primarily through alumni surveys. These are scheduled to be conducted approximately five (5) and ten (10) years after graduation (see Appendix, “Alumni Survey”), with plans to also add a survey one (1) year after graduation. Shared results during staff meetings, the annual Board Strategy Retreat, and during Major and Program Reviews will contribute to program and institutional improvements. Additional informal assessment occurs in association with communications, meetings, and site visits with alumni conducted by TBS administrators, faculty, and staff.
III. Non-Academic Assessment
A. Administrative
1. Board Meetings
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Format: Meetings
Tools: Board Agendas and Meeting Minutes, Administrative and Board reports
The Bible Seminary Board of Trustees meets at the home campus in the Library/Conference room approximately bi-monthly according the following fiscal-year schedule:
Aug Executive Committee meeting
Sep Fall Board meeting
Nov/Dec Executive Committee meeting
Jan Winter Board meeting
Mar/Apr Executive Committee meeting
May Annual Board meeting
Board meetings involve prayer, focus on the mission, reports from the administration and Board committees, and votes as needed. Reports, discussions, and recommendations generally include topics related to academics, accreditation, facilities, finances, personnel, programming, and any special initiatives. Minutes of each meeting are recorded and shared with Board members by the Board Secretary. Minutes from the full Board Fall, Winter, and Annual meetings are voted on for approval at the following Board meeting. All meeting minutes are filed digitally and physically. Physical files include copies of report handouts, and digital files include copies of files relative to each meeting. The overall design of Board meetings and institutional flow serve as a mechanism for active, ongoing assessment of many TBS activities. Individual Board meetings are typically assessed verbally between the Board Chair and President following each meeting and in preparation for ensuing meetings. More formal assessment occurs in conjunction with the annual Board surveys.
2. Board Nominations
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Winter
Format: Meetings
Tools: TBS Board Handbook, TBS Board Nominating Committee Records (for each corresponding year), TBS Board Nomination forms, Board Membership Terms
The Bible Seminary Board of Trustees generally consists of 9 to 13 members. Members agree to serve three-year terms and may serve two terms consecutively but must take at least one year off before they are eligible to serve a new term. New members begin their new terms at the annual meeting in May. Led by the Board Chair, the Board Nominating Committee invites nominations for prospective Board members each Fall using the “TBS Board Nomination” forms (see CAP Appendix) and following the “Board Membershape Plan” (see CAP Appendix and “Board Packet”). The process involves a review of current Board members as well as a review of Board member prospects. The committee shares the preliminary prospects with the entire Board and an ask order is prepared. Designated persons then reach out to prospects for a face-to-face meeting, share the Board Packet, and, if appropriate, invite prospects to consider serving on the TBS Board. Agreeable prospects are presented to Board for a vote at the Annual meeting in May. The Nominating Committee reviews this process annually, adjusts as warranted, and maintains records of annual activities.
3. Board Orientation
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Spring
Format: Meeting over a meal
Tools: TBS Board Packet, TBS Board Orientation Records
Prospective Board members receive a “Board Packet” reviewed and updated annually by the President and Board Chair. In conjunction with the Annual Board meeting each spring, new Board members participate in a new Board member orientation – usually a one to two-hour session conducted by the Board Chair and President – either prior to or shortly after joining the Board. The orientation usually involves a shared meal, introductions, sharing by the Board Chair and President, and opportunities for questions. All Board members are provided with access to the “Board Handbook,” which includes powers, responsibilities, and duties of members, officers, and committees, and this document is reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. Verbal assessment of the meetings typically occurs at the end of the orientation with the new Board members, and between the President and Board Chair following orientation dinners and in preparation for upcoming orientations. Written assessment data is recorded in email exchanges, Board Orientation Records, Board meetings, and Board Retreat minutes.
4. Board Strategy Retreat
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Feb/Mar
Format: Saturday morning meal(s) and meeting
Tools: TBS Comprehensive Strategic Plan (CSP), TBS Board Retreat agenda and minutes, and enrollment, finance, and program data (often compiled into a single PowerPoint)
The Board convenes annually on a Saturday morning in February or March to review institutional data, dream, and plan. The meeting usually includes breakfast, and sometimes lunch, as well as presentations by the President and others. The Board typically utilizes the Comprehensive Strategic Plan (CSP) as the retreat outline to review TBS past and present and discuss future options. Action plans and possibilities derived during the retreat are then shared with the appropriate administrators and Board, and then integrated into a revised Comprehensive Strategic Plan that is then presented to the Board for approval later.
Preliminary preparation includes the following:
• A review and update of the CSP by administrators and staff contributing review, research, and suggestions relative to their area(s) in particular, as well as in general.
• Preparation of charts, graphs, and reports to present to the Board at the retreat.
The retreat itself includes the following:
• A summary report by the President, other administrators, and sometimes special guests, walking through the entire CSP. The presentation includes the previous year’s CSP version with identified added updated information.
• Discussion by the Board with the President and other key administrators about all areas of the institution.
• Recommendations by the Board relative to items that require action, including updating documents and resources, issues needing further research, items requiring a vote, etc.
Retreat follow-up includes generation and dissemination of a summary report that includes attached records of all information presented and recorded, generation of an updated CSP for approval at the next Board meeting, implementation of action items, and follow-up of action items
throughout the year, most of which fall into identified sub-divided assessment areas, and all leading up to the annual planning retreat the next year. Verbal assessment typically occurs at the end of the retreat, and between the President and Board Chair following the retreat and in preparation for upcoming retreats. Written assessment data is recorded in email exchanges, Board meetings, and Board Retreat minutes. Upcoming plans include adding a written evaluation survey at the close of each retreat.
5. Board Survey
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Winter
Format: Online survey
Tools: NonprofitBoardScoreTM
The Bible Seminary Board of Trustees and select administrators annually participate in a "Board Assessment Survey" as part of the on-going process of determining institutional effectiveness. Beginning in January 2020, the Board moved from using a self-created assessment tool to using a Board Assessment tool created by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) entitled “NonprofitBoardScoreTM” (see Appendix, “Board Survey”) Participants answer the questions selecting from the options of “Yes,” “No,” or “Not Sure.” Results are tabulated by ECFA and the summary sent to the TBS Board Chair for review. Composite results presented to and discussed with the Board at one of the Winter or Spring Board, ExCom, or Retreat meetings. Items that require actions plans are discussed, planned and reviewed as agreed upon. Records of survey-related discussions and decisions are maintained in the Board and Retreat minutes.
Board leaders and the President have regularly reviewed the survey, and occasionally revised the contents and/or format. As noted above, the 2020 survey utilizes a different, third party survey. Results of the survey will be reviewed and discussed, as well as the survey questions and mechanism itself, in preparation for the 2021 survey.
6. President Annual Review
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: December
Format: Meeting
Tools: Contract, Performance Review
The Board Chair typically conducts an annual review with the President in December. Both parties complete a “Performance Review” (see Appendix) prior to the meeting, the reviews are discussed during the meeting, and then signed and kept on record in the President’s “Review” file in the Business Office personnel records. The meeting also includes a review of the President’s job description as stated in the contract. Identified prospective changes are discussed and negotiated. Any substantive adjustments are reported and discussed with the Board prior to adjustment.
7. Staff Performance Reviews
Leader: Supervisor
Frequency: Annually
Format: Meeting
Tools: Contracts, Performance Review
Administrators and staff participate in regular performance reviews. New staff typically have a six-month or so review, and most formal staff reviews occur in the spring in conjunction with the preparation of new contracts for the following fiscal year. Reviews are conducted with the supervisor and supervisee, and include a file review, performance review, and contract review.
File Review
• Supervisors audit personnel files, review contact information, credentials (CV/resume, transcripts), personal biography, and promotional photo(s), as well as copies of all job contracts, signed documents, background check reports, and annual performance reviews.
• A “Personnel File Checklist” kept in the front of each person’s individual record file that summarizes the documents in each person’s records. • Reviews include distribution of a blank “Performance Review” (see Appendix) to the Direct Report supervisor and supervisee prior to the scheduled meeting time. The document provides areas to note strengths, growth areas, goals, and an overall performance evaluation.
• Both the supervisor and reviewee fill out their reviews prior to the meeting.
• During the meeting, the parties typically open with prayer, both share their respective comments and perspectives, discuss the job performance in relation to the description, both sign the review, and close in prayer. A copy of each person’s review is given to the employee, and another copy is filed in the employee’s personnel file.
• Review results are shared and discussed with the President. Issues that require plans of action are assessed, planned, and reviewed as agreed upon.
• In some cases, performance reviews may be conducted more frequently as part of disciplinary actions, strategic growth plans, or other circumstances. In these cases, records will include the agreed upon plan, and track progress of the plan until completion or resolution. Copies of these reviews and progress updates are also kept on file. In cases of dismissal, the final Performance Review will generally serve as an exit review.
Performance Review
Contract Review
• Supervisors conduct annual Contract Reviews in conjunction with Performance Reviews, including a review of job descriptions, work parameters, salary and remuneration.
• During the review, the supervisor and employee examine the job description, discuss terms, and negotiate prospective adjustments. If the contract is mutually acceptable, both parties sign and the contract is advanced to the appropriate administrator for final approval.
• If negotiations require Presidential or other approval, the contract is revised, distributed for review, signed by both parties, and advanced to the appropriate administrator for approval.
• Copies of contracts are given to the employee and filed in the employee’s personnel file.
• Since TBS contracts are exclusively limited to annual contracts, with all contracts for all employees up for review and consideration for renewal annually, anticipated non-renewal of a contract follows the same protocol excepting the process of negotiating and advancing a new contract. Other than immediate dismissal for cause or non-renewal for violation of contract, non-renewal notification and discussions typically occur prior to the official annual review.
8. Staff Retreat
Leader: President
Frequency: Summer
Format: Meeting
Tools: Comprehensive Strategic Plan (CSP), institutional and 3rd party data
The administration and staff participate in ongoing review and planning, and formally launched an annual Staff Retreat in 2019. Preparation includes a review of the CSP, as well as CAP data compiled from the most recent academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer semesters). The format includes the following components:
• Where have we been? – What have we accomplished since inception? Good? Challenges? Prayer time of celebration and supplication.
• Where are we now? – Year-end summary of facilities, finances, personnel, and programs.
• Where are we going? – Group visioning, dreaming of possibilities, and exploring potential.
• How are going to get there? – Group planning, including specially defining who, what, when, where, and how during the upcoming academic year.
Actions items are followed up on and monitored by the President Upcoming plans include adding a written evaluation survey at the close of each retreat.
9. Student Orientation
Leader: Provost
Frequency: Fall, Spring (as needed)
Format: Meeting
Tools: TBS Orientation Agenda, Orientation records, Student Catalog, Student Handbook
New students participate in an orientation annually in the fall, and sometimes orientation is offered in the spring if needed. The Provost typically meets with new students as a group, and sometimes individually, to orient students to people, documents and policies, programs, resources, and available services relative to their educational experiences at TBS. Student Services leaders provide input to TBS leaders to evaluate and improve orientations.
10. Student Retreats
Leader: Provost
Frequency: Intermittent
Format: Retreat
Tools: Retreat records
Students have the opportunity to participate in various retreats. A standard, typically annual, retreat is the Summit Prayer Retreat sponsored by the Katy Church for area ministry leaders, including pastors, ministry staff, non-profit ministry leaders and staff, and TBS administrators, Board members, faculty, staff, and students. The annual retreat includes a follow-up evaluation kept on file with the Katy Church leadership. Other retreats have occurred in conjunction with orientation and individual classes. Assessment of these occurs in conjunction with the plans for those activities.
B. Covenantal Documents
1. Board Review and Sign
Leader: Board Chair
Frequency: Annually
Format: Board meeting
Tools: TBS Covenantal Documents, TBS Board Meeting Minutes
During the annual Board meeting, Board members review and sign the “Covenantal Documents” and “Conflict of Interest Policy Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form.” The Board secretary keeps individual copies of these on file and the actions are record in Board meeting minutes.